Toyota celebrates 300 millionth vehicle
IN the 88 years and two months since the first car crossed the assembly line, Toyota Motor Corporation has produced its 300 millionth vehicle globally.
Of these, 180.52 million have been produced in its home market of Japan, while 119.6 million were built abroad.
To date, Toyota’s bestseller globally is the Corolla family, which has accounted for more than 53 million units.
The Corolla is still the company’s top seller, if you include sales of the more recently introduced Corolla Cross, and it’s also the best-selling vehicle range in the world.
Corollas across the range accounted for more than 1.5 million sales in 2022, although the Rav4 was the most popular individual model, with 1 016 000 sales.
The Camry (673 000) and Hilux (632 000) were runners-up in the Toyota family in 2022, and also the fifth and sixth bestselling models in the world.
The Hilux is, of course, the brand’s top performer in the South African market.
Last year, Toyota sold around 10.48 million vehicles globally, making it the world’s largest carmaker.
South Africa accounted for 132 035 of those sales in 2022, which was enough to ensure its 43rd year of market leadership, and an overall market share of 24.9%.
While 300 million units is a significant milestone, Toyota has yet to become the world’s most prolific car producer, owing to the fact that other automotive giants have a longer history.
General Motors, for instance, sold its 500 millionth vehicle in 2015, while Ford announced its 350 millionth unit back in 2012.
Given that the Blue Oval sells about four to five million units per year, the 400 millionth unit can’t be far off.
While these auto giants have been operating since the first decade of the 20th century, Toyota produced its first vehicle in August
1935, a Model G1 truck built by Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd, which later became Toyota Industries Corporation.